Though she did not fear physical violence from him, there was something in Benson's eyes, at just that moment, which caused the Russian woman to retreat three or four steps.
Now Jack drew himself up, for he was becoming master of himself. He at once resolved to play this game, if there was to be more of it, with greater coolness.
"I think you see, Monsieur, that I am not be frightened by your childish gymnastics," Benson uttered.
M. Lemaire, too, had forced himself to greater coolness.
"Why, Captain Benson, I might even kill, if I found it necessary," replied the Frenchman.
"Then don't get any notion that it's necessary," frowned the young submarine captain. "It would get you into a fearful lot of trouble, and could do you no possible good."
"But you called me a 'dog,'" pursued M. Lemaire, plaintively. "To a
Frenchman that is the gr-r-r-rand insult!"
"Let it go at that, then," proposed Benson, with a pretense at amiability.
"Ah! Then you will forget what has just happened, if I will?" cried the Frenchman, eagerly. "That is admir-r-r-rable! Now, then, ten thousand dollars I have said you shall be paid for what you will furnish me. Ah, even in this rich country, one can do much with ten dollars!"
"It wouldn't be much, I'm afraid, as compared with my prospects with the
Pollard Company," replied Captain Jack, with his most thoughtful air.